Our team is ready to help , contact us today !
12 BuildersOutlook
2024Issue5
How Austin HBA Engaged in Transformative City Code Reform
In the pursuit of housing affordability , urban planners and policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to innovative solutions that challenge traditional land use policy and zoning norms . The nexus between increased housing density and reducing the upward pressure on housing costs caused by limited supply has led to strategies such as the HOME Initiative in Austin , Texas .
Austin is the fastest-growing metro area in the country and is struggling to keep up with the demand for housing . With a median home price of $ 639,000 ( up from $ 240,000 just 10 years ago ), a population of 1 million people , and years of city council resistance to more flexible zoning regulations , the lack of affordability has dramatically impacted the livability of the Live Music Capital of the World over the last decade .
In response to these challenges , the Austin City Council passed updates , entitled the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment ( HOME ) Initiative , to the city ’ s Land Development Code in December 2023 . HOME was broken into two parts to be considered in separate council meetings over the course of a few months . Phase 1 allows for three units by-right on any single-family lot , while Phase 2 reduces the minimum lot size and allows for additional flexibility with setbacks , height and other design standards .
Other major changes to the city ’ s code include :
• Allowing Up to Three Units : Increasing the number of homes allowed on single-family lots to three units gives home owners the ability to provide on-site housing options to family members and / or a caregiver , or earn additional income .
• Including Tiny Homes : By making it easier to install a tiny home , the city provides home owners with an accessible and affordable way to add a small house to a property .
• Creating Preservation and Sustainability Bonuses : The city is saving existing homes that conserve neighborhood character and helping to keep materials out of area landfills by providing incentives .
• Encouraging the Creation of Smaller Homes : The city regulates of the size and scale of houses while promoting smaller
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
Courtney Yeatman , VP
915.747.1671
“ starter homes ” for home buyers . Throughout the process , the Home Builders Association ( HBA ) of Greater Austin helped organize a diverse coalition made up of not only housing advocates such as the Austin Board of Realtors and the Real Estate Council of Austin , but also organizations such as AARP , the Austin EMS Association , CapMetro ( Austin ’ s local transit authority ), and many others . NAHB ’ s State and Local Issues Fund was utilized to develop and execute a public awareness digital campaign targeting renters and young voters .
The coalition has reorganized in anticipation of HOME Phase 2 , which will reduce lot size and adjust design standards . It is currently under consideration by the city council , with a final vote expected in May .
Henry Tinajero , SVP 915.747.1663
Recently , Austin has made news headlines for stagnating and even declining rental costs — not solely because of housing construction but it does underscore the impact of initiatives between the city and the HBA of Greater Austin . By leveraging strategic land use policy adjustments , this partnership serves as a blueprint for other rapidly expanding cities across the United States , offering valuable insights into managing growth while addressing housing affordability .
To learn more about land development , visit NAHB ’ s Land Use 101 toolkit .
To learn more about how zoning reform and other key policies can help solve the housing affordability crisis , visit nahb . org / plan .
Our team is ready to help , contact us today !
Robert Spencer , AVP 915.747.1013
Helping To Build Communities
WestStar understands construction lending that is local , stays local . We are proud to support area home builders by providing you with all the financial services you need to build our communities .
Let WestStar ’ s local team of lending experts help you with all your Construction Lending and Commercial Banking needs .
Deposit and loan products are offered through WestStar Bank , Member FDIC . weststarbank . com